US7342765B2 - Current insulation device for fuel systems - Google Patents
Current insulation device for fuel systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US7342765B2 US7342765B2 US11/359,774 US35977406A US7342765B2 US 7342765 B2 US7342765 B2 US 7342765B2 US 35977406 A US35977406 A US 35977406A US 7342765 B2 US7342765 B2 US 7342765B2
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fuel system
- linear component
- risks
- forming part
- component forming
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active, expires
Links
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 28
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 title description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000010292 electrical insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002828 fuel tank Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010891 electric arc Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D45/00—Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for
- B64D45/02—Lightning protectors; Static dischargers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D37/00—Arrangements in connection with fuel supply for power plant
- B64D37/32—Safety measures not otherwise provided for, e.g. preventing explosive conditions
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L25/00—Constructive types of pipe joints not provided for in groups F16L13/00 - F16L23/00 ; Details of pipe joints not otherwise provided for, e.g. electrically conducting or insulating means
- F16L25/02—Electrically insulating joints or couplings
- F16L25/026—Electrically insulating joints or couplings for flanged joints
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S439/00—Electrical connectors
- Y10S439/933—Special insulation
- Y10S439/934—High voltage barrier, e.g. surface arcing or corona preventing insulator
Definitions
- the invention relates to an insulation device inserted in a linear component forming part of a fuel system subjected to risks of possible electrical discharges and, more particularly, to a device for protecting aircraft fuel systems from electrical discharges caused by lightning strikes on fuel tanks manufactured with materials with low electrical conductivity.
- Composites offer high electrical resistance when compared to metallic materials.
- the latter have been traditionally used in the aeronautical field for manufacturing structures intended to fuel storage, given the mechanical features these materials have with respect to their weight.
- the high electrical resistance inherent to composites causes a highly relevant induction effect on the internal systems of the fuel tank. Said effect induces internal electric currents that may generate failures or phenomena which are catastrophic for overall structural integrity.
- Hot spots the high current density in certain specific locations of the structure such as joints or intersection components, can originate high temperature spots. If this temperature exceeds 200° C. (the autoignition point of fuel considered by the FAA/JAA authorities) the fuel may reach its flash point should the suitable stoichiometric concentrations be present inside the tank.
- Electric arcs sparking: the flow of current through materials with different resistivities and in geometrically separated locations can produce voltage drops between amongst one another, releasing discharges in the form of an electric arc and causing the ignition of the fuel/inflammable liquid or vapours contained within the structure.
- Patent application PCT/ES05/070133 by the applicant of the present invention describes a method for protecting the set of metal devices arranged inside an electrical discharge-proof fuel tank, manufactured completely or partially with composites, which considers, amongst other items, including insulating inserts in the linear metal devices such that they are subdivided into parts that are insulated from each other.
- the present invention refers to an insert of this type that may be used in places with little space available.
- the present invention proposes an electrical insulation device for a linear component, for example a pipe, which forms part of a fuel system subjected to risks of possible external electrical discharges that is formed by a part made of an insulating material joined to two metal flanges allowing the insertion of the device between two parts of said linear component.
- the part made of insulating material is constituted by a cylindrical body with a castellated crown on its outer side, formed by longitudinal (in the same direction as the axis of the cylindrical body) and transverse (in a perpendicular direction to the axis of the cylindrical body) segments.
- the flanges include transverse projections facing the transverse segments of the castellated crown to allow their attachment by suitable means.
- the device object of the present invention may be applied to fuel and ventilation lines forming part of the fuel systems installed in aircraft, when it is necessary to stop the current or rather insulate sections of the installation in which the passage thereof is intended, and the space available is small.
- FIG. 1 shows side elevational and front sectional views of the electrical insulation device according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the electrical insulation device according to the invention.
- device 11 is formed by a part 13 made of insulating material attached to two metal flanges 15 , 17 for facilitating insertion of the device between two parts of the linear component (for example, a pipe) to be insulated.
- the linear component for example, a pipe
- the insulating part 13 is formed by a cylindrical body 21 with a castellated crown 23 on its outer side, formed by longitudinal 25 and transverse 27 segments.
- the flanges 15 , 17 have, respectively, transverse projections 31 , 33 facing the transverse segments 27 of the castellated crown 23 in order to facilitate their attachment by suitable means, such as screws 39 .
- the insulating part 13 can be made by machining or by injection moulding an insulating material (nylon, polyamide) with the mentioned castellated shape which prevents the passage of current when it is circulating along the fuel or ventilation lines in which the device is inserted and allows providing efficient insulating devices when there are space limitations in the fuel system installation.
- an insulating material nylon, polyamide
- said part 13 undergoes various insulation tests during which it is subjected to a potential difference between the ends thereof at 500 VDC and at 1000 VDC, providing electrical insulation in the order of 100 Mega ohms as a minimum requirement.
- the length of the insulating part 13 is comprised between 25-80 mm which allows complying with its electrical insulation function without becoming statically charged.
- the device 11 according to the invention is applicable, as has been mentioned above, to fuel installations in which the current is intended to be insulated in sections or when a single bonding point philosophy is intended to be applied.
- the device object of the present invention is also applicable to other systems other than fuel, such as for example the hydraulic or pneumatic circuit, with the only variation as regards the diameter of the pipe that must be insulated.
- the metal flanges 15 , 17 must carry some components 35 , 37 for installing a bonding point, since these systems require a double electrical bonding.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Insulating Bodies (AREA)
- Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
- Testing, Inspecting, Measuring Of Stereoscopic Televisions And Televisions (AREA)
- Silver Salt Photography Or Processing Solution Therefor (AREA)
- Measurement And Recording Of Electrical Phenomena And Electrical Characteristics Of The Living Body (AREA)
- Insulated Conductors (AREA)
- Elimination Of Static Electricity (AREA)
- Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (8)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ESPCT/ES05/70182 | 2005-12-23 | ||
PCT/ES2005/070182 WO2007074177A1 (en) | 2005-12-23 | 2005-12-23 | Electric insulation device for use in fuel lines |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070145190A1 US20070145190A1 (en) | 2007-06-28 |
US7342765B2 true US7342765B2 (en) | 2008-03-11 |
Family
ID=38192469
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/359,774 Active 2026-10-28 US7342765B2 (en) | 2005-12-23 | 2006-02-22 | Current insulation device for fuel systems |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7342765B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1964777B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101346281B (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0520793A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2634222C (en) |
ES (1) | ES2650553T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007074177A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100003840A1 (en) * | 2008-07-02 | 2010-01-07 | Eaton Corporation | Dielectric Isolators |
US20100003438A1 (en) * | 2008-07-02 | 2010-01-07 | Miller Waste Mills d/b/a RTP Company | Injection moldable, thermoplastic composite materials |
US9618148B2 (en) | 2008-07-02 | 2017-04-11 | Eaton Corporation | Dielectric isolators |
US10040568B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2018-08-07 | Short Brothers Plc | Electrical protector |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2948254B1 (en) | 2009-07-16 | 2011-12-30 | Airbus Operations Sas | DEVICE FOR PROTECTING PIPES AGAINST LIGHTNING |
WO2011144440A1 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2011-11-24 | Parker Hannifin Gmbh | Dielectric fitting assembly |
US9162774B2 (en) * | 2012-06-08 | 2015-10-20 | The Boeing Company | Fluid transport system for preventing electrical discharge |
US9309994B2 (en) * | 2012-11-26 | 2016-04-12 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Dielectric fitting mounting device |
US10030798B2 (en) * | 2013-02-18 | 2018-07-24 | The Boeing Company | Bulkhead fitting |
CA2960633A1 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-01-08 | Cci Thermal Technologies Inc. | Electrically isolating block and flange for rail-heating duct |
GB2572553A (en) | 2018-03-29 | 2019-10-09 | Airbus Operations Ltd | Aircraft fuel tank isolator |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2393003A (en) * | 1944-05-03 | 1946-01-15 | Smith Minton Larkin | Kidney catheter |
US4008937A (en) * | 1974-09-20 | 1977-02-22 | Stanley Aviation Corporation | Coupling assembly |
US4346428A (en) * | 1980-06-05 | 1982-08-24 | Stanley Aviation Corp. | Coupling assembly with bonding jumper |
US4891732A (en) * | 1986-11-28 | 1990-01-02 | British Aerospace Plc | Anti-lightning strike fasteners for composite material aircraft structures |
US5034157A (en) * | 1990-03-16 | 1991-07-23 | Itt Corporation | Injection moldable composite |
US5959828A (en) * | 1996-07-16 | 1999-09-28 | Hydraflow | Coupling with insulated flanges |
US5973903A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 1999-10-26 | Transdigm, Inc. | Fuel line systems with electric charge buildup prevention |
US6740236B2 (en) * | 2001-09-25 | 2004-05-25 | Kuss Corporation | Fuel filter assembly having a conductive spring |
Family Cites Families (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US500488A (en) * | 1893-06-27 | Simeon d | ||
US1592175A (en) * | 1924-07-10 | 1926-07-13 | U G I Contracting Company | Electric insulation for metal pipes |
GB536846A (en) * | 1940-01-11 | 1941-05-29 | James Hoyle Mcguire | Improvements in insulating pipe couplings |
US2693223A (en) * | 1952-02-21 | 1954-11-02 | Goodrich Co B F | Method of making flexible hollow connections |
US2761979A (en) * | 1953-04-03 | 1956-09-04 | Barlow Corp | Protection of pipe lines |
US2985466A (en) * | 1958-05-27 | 1961-05-23 | Martin Co | Rigid fuel line coupling with inspection means |
US4406467A (en) * | 1982-12-06 | 1983-09-27 | Atlantic Richfield Company | High pressure electrical isolation flange gasket |
GB2133490B (en) * | 1983-01-12 | 1986-02-26 | Pd Oil And Chemical Storage Lt | Pipe coupling |
DE3641062A1 (en) * | 1986-12-01 | 1988-06-16 | Kyburz & Cie | Insulating pipe connection |
FR2617568B1 (en) * | 1987-07-02 | 1989-10-20 | Aerospatiale | TUBE FOR THE CIRCULATION OF A FLAMMABLE FLUID, AND PIPING MADE FROM SUCH TUBES |
US4971268A (en) * | 1988-11-23 | 1990-11-20 | The Boeing Company | Dielectric support and wear sleeve |
CN2711496Y (en) * | 2004-06-17 | 2005-07-20 | 苏州市燃气设备阀门制造有限公司 | Insulation joint for gas pipeline |
JP4995823B2 (en) | 2005-09-29 | 2012-08-08 | エアバス オペレーションズ、ソシエダ リミタダ | How to protect a fuel tank made of composite material from discharge |
-
2005
- 2005-12-23 EP EP05857646.3A patent/EP1964777B1/en active Active
- 2005-12-23 ES ES05857646.3T patent/ES2650553T3/en active Active
- 2005-12-23 BR BRPI0520793-2A patent/BRPI0520793A2/en active Search and Examination
- 2005-12-23 CA CA2634222A patent/CA2634222C/en active Active
- 2005-12-23 WO PCT/ES2005/070182 patent/WO2007074177A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-12-23 CN CN2005800523874A patent/CN101346281B/en active Active
-
2006
- 2006-02-22 US US11/359,774 patent/US7342765B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2393003A (en) * | 1944-05-03 | 1946-01-15 | Smith Minton Larkin | Kidney catheter |
US4008937A (en) * | 1974-09-20 | 1977-02-22 | Stanley Aviation Corporation | Coupling assembly |
US4346428A (en) * | 1980-06-05 | 1982-08-24 | Stanley Aviation Corp. | Coupling assembly with bonding jumper |
US4891732A (en) * | 1986-11-28 | 1990-01-02 | British Aerospace Plc | Anti-lightning strike fasteners for composite material aircraft structures |
US5034157A (en) * | 1990-03-16 | 1991-07-23 | Itt Corporation | Injection moldable composite |
US5959828A (en) * | 1996-07-16 | 1999-09-28 | Hydraflow | Coupling with insulated flanges |
US5973903A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 1999-10-26 | Transdigm, Inc. | Fuel line systems with electric charge buildup prevention |
US6740236B2 (en) * | 2001-09-25 | 2004-05-25 | Kuss Corporation | Fuel filter assembly having a conductive spring |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100003840A1 (en) * | 2008-07-02 | 2010-01-07 | Eaton Corporation | Dielectric Isolators |
US20100003438A1 (en) * | 2008-07-02 | 2010-01-07 | Miller Waste Mills d/b/a RTP Company | Injection moldable, thermoplastic composite materials |
US8003014B2 (en) | 2008-07-02 | 2011-08-23 | Eaton Corporation | Dielectric isolators |
US9136036B2 (en) | 2008-07-02 | 2015-09-15 | Miller Waster Mills | Injection moldable, thermoplastic composite materials |
US9234615B2 (en) | 2008-07-02 | 2016-01-12 | Eaton Corporation | Dielectric isolators |
US9618148B2 (en) | 2008-07-02 | 2017-04-11 | Eaton Corporation | Dielectric isolators |
US10040568B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2018-08-07 | Short Brothers Plc | Electrical protector |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1964777A1 (en) | 2008-09-03 |
CA2634222A1 (en) | 2007-07-05 |
WO2007074177A1 (en) | 2007-07-05 |
CA2634222C (en) | 2013-05-14 |
CN101346281A (en) | 2009-01-14 |
ES2650553T8 (en) | 2018-03-01 |
EP1964777A4 (en) | 2014-07-02 |
CN101346281B (en) | 2011-03-16 |
US20070145190A1 (en) | 2007-06-28 |
EP1964777B1 (en) | 2017-08-30 |
BRPI0520793A2 (en) | 2009-05-26 |
ES2650553T3 (en) | 2018-01-19 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AIRBUS ESPANA, S.L., SPAIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ORGAZ VILLEGAS, EDUARDO;NOGAL MARTIN, JORGE;REEL/FRAME:018009/0026 Effective date: 20060425 |
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STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
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FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.L., SPAIN Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:AIRBUS ESPANA, S.L.;REEL/FRAME:026124/0168 Effective date: 20090320 |
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Year of fee payment: 4 |
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Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 12 |